Race Around Rwanda 2024

Race Around Rwanda will be back in 2024.

February 4th, start at 4am

1000 km.

Kigali to Kigali.

40% off-road.

4 Checkpoints

Lots of climbing

SOLD OUT

Rwandan Epic is now sold out. Want to still come ride in Rwanda? Sign up for the Rwanda Beyond Bikepacking (see below) or enter the waiting list.

Rwanda Beyond Bikepacking

Don’t want to race? Or do you want to travel to Rwanda one week earlier to discover the country on an easier pace? Rwanda Beyond is organizing two editions of Rwanda Beyond Bikepacking, as fundraising for their activities

Race Around Rwanda
275
  • February 4th 2024
Included:
  • GPX file
  • GPS tracking
  • 4 checkpoints (with lodging available)
  • Pre race breakfast
  • Snacks and water at checkpoints
  • Post race party
  • HD race photos
  • Local SIM card with data
  • Race bag and cap
Can be purchased extra (later):
  • Hotel pre and post race at special rates
  • Post race Safari
  • Race jersey
Rwanda Beyond Bikepacking
600
  • December 2023 and January 2024
Included:
  • 6 days of bikepacking
  • Routes designed by Rwanda Beyond crew
  • 6 nights of hotel and breakfast included
  • Mechanic on site every evening
  • Event photos
  • Profits go to Rwanda Beyond Project
  • Ride with Rwanda Beyond and other young Rwandan riders
  • Event cap
  • Local SIM card

Past Results

Dirt, Sweat and Fever

 Dirt, Sweat and Fever: Conquering the 1.000 hills around Rwanda  Ulrich Bartholmoes started RaR 2023 with the goal to win, but the universe had some... Read More "Dirt, Sweat and Fever"

Contact us

Use the form to get in contact with us, or send a mail to info@racearoundrwanda.com

    Dirt, Sweat and Fever

     Dirt, Sweat and Fever: Conquering the 1.000 hills around Rwanda  Ulrich Bartholmoes... Read More "Dirt, Sweat and Fever"

    RaR 2020 race movie

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPj4IBnWBe8 https://youtu.be/FsngJxdy90g Tugende tells the story of the 2020 Race Around Rwanda.... Read More "RaR 2020 race movie"

    FAQ

    General

    I am not free on the dates of the race, but want to ride in Rwanda
    Just come and ride, it’s a friendly country! If you want a bespoke cycling holiday, get in touch with our friends at www.komezarwanda.com or join a Rwanda Beyond Bikepacking event in January or the week before the race at www.rwandabeyond.cc/bikepacking
    I can’t find a Journey option on the site, are you organizing it again?

    We advice you to join Rwanda Beyond´s Bikepacking trip instead!

    What are the entry procedures in Rwanda=

    All countries can receive a visa on entry to Rwanda, for members of African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie, this is free of charge – others can pay at arrival in USD or with a Credit Card. Immigration link and further information is here.

     

    Will there be support vehicles

    Race Around Rwanda is a self-supported event. In the spirit of bikepacking races there are no real support vehicles. However, we will have organization cars following along the route, as well as a medical team at the checkpoints, ready for dispatch in case of serious accidents.

    Participants should ensure that their medical insurance covers this type of event and country.

    Is the water in Rwanda safe to drink?

    We advise that participants drink filtered or bottled water throughout their time in Rwanda. There are many places along the route to replenish your supplies. IF you are needing to drink from an alternative water source then do use your preferred bacterial filter and purification tablets.

    Should I be cautious for the wildlife?

    Most of Rwanda is populated by humans and there are no large wild animal populations outside of the national park boundaries. There are monkeys in different areas of the country. Insects and mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially at dusk and dawn in low marshy areas, so take the needed precaution with covering up and using repellent.

    Where should I sleep? Can I bivy anywhere?

    Rwanda doesn’t have a culture of ‘wild camping’ and although it is a safe country with low crime rates we advise that you seek out a bar, restaurant, hotel or campsite that will be able to support you during those needed naps. Many of these locations have provision of a walled garden/area. If you choose to rest at the side of the route then be aware you will likely have quite some attention (wanted or unwanted) from locals. 

    We will provide you with a race map with some information about villages where you’re most likely to find accommodation (you would never be more than 50 km away from such a village). Race participants can sleep for free in some of the checkpoints.

    Who is organizing this?

    Race around Rwanda is organised by RaR Events Ltd., a Rwanda registered organisation, ran by a Brit and a Belgian living in Rwanda.

    Matthew Brokenshire is always on the look out for an adventure….the longer and crazier the better! He swam the English channel and the straits of Gibraltar in the past, but currently spends most of his hours on the bike.
    Originally from the UK Matt and his family have been in Rwanda since 2017.

    Simon De Schutter has been cycling for all his life, and for the past 3 years mainly on Rwandan roads, on gravel bike, road bike or mountain bike. He is passionate about bringing this sport to the land of a thousand hills.

    What do I do with my luggage?

    You carry it 😉 This is a self-supported race, which means you need to take everything with you (of course you can buy stuff in shops along the way). No luggage will be transported to any of the checkpoints, but we will provide storage space in Kigali (start and finish location) for your extra bags and bike boxes.

    When does the race take place?

    The third edition will start in the morning of February  5th 2023

    What are the rules of this race?

    See our ‘rules’ page

    Will there be a finisher party?

    There definitely will be, on the night of Friday!

    What are the requirements to enter?

    You need to be at least 18 years of age at the day of the race start, and sign a note stating you are physically fit. You will also need to be able to show proof of insurance.

    What prize money does the winner receive?

    In the bikepacking racing tradition, there is no prize money. But thanks to our sponsors, the fastest male, female and pair will receive some nice souvenirs to take home

    Will my supporters be able to follow my race online?

    Yes, you will be provided with a GPS tracker, and a livetracking page will be on our website for all who wish to follow the race online.

    Is any outside support allowed?

    This is a self supported race. This means: no drafting, no support cars, not accepting any help offered by supporters, and fixing your own bike in case of mechanicals. Everyone can make use of all commercially available services such as hotels, restaurants or local bike mechanics. 

    Which kind of bike do I need?

    This is a race for gravel bikes. Although riders have finished it successfully on rim brake road bikes and on 29″ MTBs, if you ask us, take a gravel bike with 35mm or wider tyres. 

    Is Rwanda a safe country for cyclists?

    See our ‘about Rwanda’ page

    What is included in the entry fee?
    • Local Sim Card with 4g functionality (works on 99% of the route)
    • Luggage storage during the race
    • Discounts at partnering hotel in Kigali
    • Pre-race breakfast
    • Rental of GPS tracker & real-time live tracking
    • GPX file of the route
    • Food and lodging at selected check points
    • Race goodies (incl. T-shirt, race cap, Rwandan gifts)
    • Finisher award
    • HD versions of pictures taken by our photographers
    • Finisher party
    How long will the race take? What if I don’t make the time limit?

    The race starts at 5am on Sunday with a time limit of 139 hours, which means you have to be back in Kigali by the finish party on Friday  (6 days and 15 hours later), cut off times for each CP will be published later.

    If you don’t make a cut off time, of course you are allowed to finish the course on your own pace, you will still receive a finish time in the ranking, although OTL.